I've buggered it up...

[Dollygirl2008]

I decided to paint my grandmas singer sewing machine table that she left me when she died 20 years ago. Since then it's been in a garage for two years and more recently stuck in the corner. It's got black wrought iron base so I thought it would be nice to paint to top part white and use it as a dressing table

However, I've just given it a coat, and it looks awful. I've used the chalk paint and it's just for brush marks everywhere and I could cry. Any ideas of how to rectify??

I haven't used chalk paint before because I don't like the look but I've done plenty of other painting. If it's a metal surface you'll need a metal paint. Is the top surface metal or wood sorry I'm not clear from op? Did you sand it first of its wood?

I have painted wood many times before and the first coat is often very brush marked.

I'd sand the brush marks out, clean all the dust off and then use a small roller to repaint, however I'm not an expert so someone will probably come along with a better idea!

Normal to have brush marks. Use a small foam roller and do 2 - 3 thin coats over the paint. It can take a little while but the finish will be much better.

Thank you all - just to clarify, I'm only painting wooden part. It's clean and dust free, but the supposed "beauty" of clash paint is that you don't need to prime

I'm wondering whether to use this first coat as a primer and put it down to an expensive primer, and then try satin over the top?

Any chance of a photo?

Was the wooden part varnished?

I'm literally too embarrassed to send a photo but I will if that helps!

Yes it was varnished

In my experience the first coat of chalk paint looks hideous, it will honestly look better after the second coat. What type of brush is it? A softer brush works better, or a small foam roller.

I bought a table that had been painted with chalk paint, the paint scrapes off and it didn't look shabby chic at all, just a complete mess. It needs to be done properly, and as far as I can see, a finished wooden surface is not good with chalk paint unless you can spend days of your life and a fair bit of cash buying the paint, wax and prepping it.

It is easy to scrub off with soapy water and a washing up sponge ( a non stick one) and then sand it down and paint it properly. Rust Oleum is not proper chalk paint BTW, if you are looking at that. The good ones cost a bit more, and you need to do some research.

Did you sand and give a coat of primer before painting?

Sand it down and try another coat. You won’t have messed it up completely. Or sand it down and “lime” wax it.

You need to prepare the surface . Painting over varnish isn't going to work. You need to sand the surface to remove the varnish , then clean it carefully to remove all the dust. Then do a coat of primer, dry thoroughly and then paint with the white chalk paint.

It's a rookie mistake. I'm sure we've all done it.
Sand it down, including the varnish. Damp cloth to get rid of all the dust and do it with a wax.
I don't know about other places, Ikea do stuff that's really easy to use.

I've used chalk paint before and wasn't keen on the finis. I have since discovered cupboard paint in Wilkos (cheaper but not as many colours) and it is fab. No need to sand first, use primer or add a top coat. I painted the cupboard door under my sink about a year ago and it's still perfect. Also, I use a roller for an even finish.

Thanks all - you e made me feel a bit better. I'm going to wait for this to dry, and then sand and do another coat with a roller where I can. Where the parts a more intricate, I will try a small soft brush.

Or I'll get a pretty throw and chuck it over it...

Join the Frenchic group on Facebook. Lots of advice and tips.

Also a lot of people’s projects look awful after the first couple of coats but then the last coat is transforming and looks fantastic so don’t be put off after your first coat.

If it's Annie Sloan then use a watered down coat first as a 'priming' then another coat or two, use a very light sand paper if you still have brush marks. You really don't need a separate primer. Use a really good wax and buff it really well.
The problem with chalk paints is that despite being 'easy' they actually take a fair bit of work to get right.

Echo the waxing to buff out the brush strokes, this has worked when I’ve used Annie Sloan chalk paint. Check out YouTube videos to see how to do it/results.

Thanks everyone - and to those who said that the second and last coat will make the difference- you were right!! I'm quite pleased with it now! I will do the waxing next weekend and then touch up the hinges etc, but on the whole- it's looking good!!